How does a plug valve work?

A lift plug valve works by using a plug, or obturator, that is lifted up or down within the valve body to open or close the flow of fluid. The plug is connected to a stem that is operated by a handle or actuator, which allows the user to control the position of the plug. When the handle is turned to open the valve, the stem is raised, lifting the plug out of the way and allowing fluid to flow through the valve. When the handle is turned to close the valve, the stem is lowered, bringing the plug back down into the valve body and blocking the flow of fluid.

The plug in a lift plug valve is typically cone-shaped, with the point of the cone facing downstream. This allows the plug to seal tightly against the walls of the valve body as it is raised and lowered, ensuring that there is minimal leakage of fluid around the plug. The plug is typically made of a durable material, such as metal or plastic, and may be coated with a material to enhance its sealing capabilities and resist corrosion.

Lift plug valves are known for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance. They are often used in piping systems where a quick, easy-to-operate valve is needed, such as in emergency shutdown situations.

What are advantages of plug valve?

There are several advantages to using a lift plug valve:

1.Simple design: Lift plug valves have a simple, straightforward design that is easy to understand and operate.

2.Reliability: Because they have few moving parts and do not rely on complex mechanisms, lift plug valves are generally very reliable and have a long lifespan.

3.Ease of maintenance: The plug in a lift plug valve is easily removable, making it simple to clean or replace as needed.

4.Bi-directional flow: Lift plug valves can be used to control the flow of fluid in either direction, making them versatile and suitable for use in a wide range of applications.

5.Low pressure drop: Lift plug valves have a low pressure drop across the valve, meaning that they do not significantly reduce the pressure of the fluid as it passes through the valve.

6.Ease of automation: Lift plug valves can be easily automated using actuators and control systems, allowing them to be controlled remotely or as part of a larger process.

Is a plug valve a shut off valve?

Yes, a lift plug valve can be used as a shut-off valve to stop the flow of fluid through a pipe or conduit. To use a lift plug valve as a shut-off valve, the handle or actuator is turned to close the valve, lowering the plug into the valve body and blocking the flow of fluid. Once the valve is closed, no fluid can pass through the valve, allowing it to be used to shut off the flow of fluid in an emergency or for maintenance purposes.

Lift plug valves are commonly used as shut-off valves in piping systems for oil, gas, and water, and are known for their ability to handle high pressure and temperature. They are also used in other industries, such as chemical processing, power generation, and pharmaceuticals, where the ability to shut off the flow of fluid is important.

It's worth noting that not all lift plug valves are designed to be used as shut-off valves. Some lift plug valves are designed for use as throttling valves, which are used to regulate the flow of fluid rather than stop it completely.

NORTECH Engineering Corporation Limited is one of the leading industrial valve manufacturers and suppliers in China,with more than 20 years experiences of OEM and ODM services.